Tail Rotor – Hub Assembly – Inspection / Replacement
Superseded. Comply with 2020-0086, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2018-0248
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus Helicopters AS 332 and SA 330 must determine torque cycles per flight hour within 50 flight hours of the directive's effective date and perform inspections or replacements accordingly. Repetitive inspections of spindle bolts are required every 50 flight hours until flapping hinge components are replaced. Removed components must be sent to Airbus Helicopters within 60 days after replacement. Compliance deadlines vary based on helicopter group and operational usage, with the effective date being 27 August 2019.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0195 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency concerning Airbus Helicopters AS 332 and SA 330 models. It addresses inspection and replacement requirements for tail rotor hub assembly components, specifically flapping hinge components and spindle bolts, to prevent potential failures that could lead to loss of helicopter control.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2018-0248 and introduces repetitive inspections of affected spindle bolts and reduces the replacement compliance time for flapping hinge components, especially for helicopters involved in high torque cycles per flight hour operations. It also mandates sending removed components back to Airbus Helicopters for further investigation and clarifies service life limits for affected parts.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it ensures the continued airworthiness and safety of affected helicopters by preventing tail rotor failures that could result in catastrophic loss of control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with inspection and replacement schedules to mitigate risks associated with component fatigue and cracking, particularly in high usage scenarios.
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